The Dime Bank Invests in Financial Literacy for Local Students

The Dime Bank has donated $9,000 to Brighter Financial Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among students. This contribution, made possible through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, will directly benefit students in the Wayne Highlands, Wallenpaupack, and Delaware Valley school districts.

The funds supported the Personal Finance Lab, an innovative program that equips students with essential financial skills through interactive investing and budgeting challenges. The Personal Finance Lab offers a comprehensive learning experience, including:

• A robust personal finance curriculum covering key financial and business concepts.
• A realistic stock market challenge simulation to teach the principles of stock market investment.
• An engaging personal budgeting game simulation that educates students on credit, budgeting, net worth, and overall financial well-being.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in these challenges! Special recognition goes to the top three students in each of the following categories:

High School: 1^st Place – Hayden Elderkin, Delaware Valley High School; 2^nd Place – Devin Hopkins, Wayne Highlands; 3^rd Place – Nora Warner, Wallenpaupack.

Middle/Elementary School: 1^st Place – Owen Curtis, Wayne Highlands Middle School; 2^nd Place – Diana Sutton, Wallenpaupack Middle School; 3^rd Place – Liz Stuart, Wallenpaupack Elementary School.

Personal Budgeting Challenge: 1^st Place – Logan Petroski, Wallenpaupack; 2^nd Place – Brock Ludwig, Wayne Highlands; 3^rd Place – Hayden Elderkin, Delaware Valley.

The first-place winners of the Stock Market Challenge, Owen Curtis of the Wayne Highlands Middle School and Hayden Elderkin of the Delaware Valley High School received a Chromebook, a gift card, and The Dime Bank gift basket. All other students received gift cards, as did the teachers.

President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “The Dime Bank is deeply committed to fostering financial literacy in our youth. Equipping students with personal finance skills today is investing in a future of limitless possibilities. It’s the bedrock for their success.”

Source: The Dime Bank / Deborah Unflat / June 11, 2025